News item | 08-03-2024 | 2:15 PM
The cabinet has informed the House of Representatives that HNLMS. Tromp will be deployed in the Red Sea. The air defense and command frigate will contribute to safe and free passage there. The government is also investigating whether the Joint Logistic Support Ship Zr.Ms. Karel Doorman can also be deployed in the area in the coming months.
The Red Sea is a crucial shipping route between the Suez Canal and the Indian Ocean. More than 12% of world trade and roughly a third of global container ships pass through the Suez Canal.
Houthi units have attacked more than 40 commercial and naval vessels with missiles and drones in recent months. This week there were even fatalities. As an open and maritime trading nation, this also affects Dutch interests. That is why the government wants to contribute to maritime safety and free passage in the Red Sea in an international context.
Missions
Zr.Ms. Tromp is scheduled to travel to the Indo-Pacific, passing through the Red Sea. The Netherlands will therefore deploy the frigate for approximately 25 days for the maritime defensive operation Prosperity Guardian. The aim of this operation is to repel attacks by the Houthis on shipping in the Red Sea. In addition, the frigate supports the European defensive operation Aspides, which also focuses on protecting the right to free passage and promoting maritime security. The frigate provides ‘associated support’ to Aspides. This means that the ship does not fall under the command of the operation, but does share information and provide support on request.
Threat
Zr.Ms. Tromp will be deployed in a high spectrum of violence. The unit is trained to deal with the resulting risks. The ship has defenses against various threats. On March 9, Zr.Ms. Tromp from Den Helder. The deployment in the Red Sea will start around the end of March.
Zr.Ms. Karel Doorman
The government is also investigating the deployment of the Joint Logistic Support Ship Zr.Ms. Karel Doorman as a tanker ship for support of Operation Aspides and/or Operation Prosperity Guardian in the coming months.